PART TWO: CHAPTER FORTY - FIVE - Daisy and Demi Practice Quiz — Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: PART TWO: CHAPTER FORTY - FIVE - Daisy and Demi
Who are Daisy and Demi?
They are Meg and John Brooke's twin children, the youngest members of the March family. Daisy is a sunny, affectionate girl and Demi is an inquisitive, mechanically-minded boy.
How old are the twins in this chapter?
Three years old. The narrator notes that "in this fast age babies of three or four assert their rights, and get them, too."
What is Daisy's personality like?
She is a rosy, chubby, sunshiny child who loves everyone. She offers kisses to strangers, plays at housekeeping, and says "Me loves evvybody" with open arms.
What is Demi's personality like?
He is an inquiring, philosophical boy with a mechanical genius. He builds contraptions, asks endless questions ("What for?"), and engages in Socratic-style conversations with his grandfather.
What is a "lellywaiter"?
Demi's word for "elevator" — a basket hung over the back of a chair in which he tries to hoist his sister Daisy, bumping her head in the process.
What is Demi's "sewinsheen"?
Demi's word for "sewing machine" — a contraption he built from string, chairs, clothespins, and spools with wheels to go "wound and wound."
How does Mr. March teach Demi the alphabet?
He forms letters with his arms and legs, combining gymnastics with learning. When Mr. Bhaer arrives, he catches Mr. March prone on the floor with Demi, both forming the letter "W" with their legs.
What philosophical question does Demi ask his grandfather?
"What makes my legs go, Dranpa?" This leads to a discussion about the mind, the body, and God, in which Mr. March compares the mind to a watch spring.
Where does Demi say he keeps his mind?
"In my little belly." His grandfather had been trying to explain the concept of the mind, comparing it to a watch spring, but Demi's literal answer confounds the philosophical lesson.
To which historical figure is Demi compared?
Alcibiades, the student of Socrates. The narrator says Mr. March would not have been surprised if Demi had answered "By the gods, Socrates, I cannot tell."
Which deceased March sister is Daisy compared to?
Beth. Daisy's grandfather often calls her "Beth," and her grandmother watches over her with special devotion, hoping she will be spared a similar loss.
Who is "Aunt Dodo"?
Jo March. She is the twins' chief playmate and confidante, and the children call her by this nickname.
Why does Demi call Mr. Bhaer "the bear-man"?
It is the children's playful mispronunciation or interpretation of the name "Bhaer." Despite initial jealousy over Jo's attention, Demi is won over by Mr. Bhaer's chocolate drops and pocket watch.
What does Demi innocently ask Mr. Bhaer that reveals the Professor's feelings?
"Do great boys like great girls, too, 'Fessor?" After telling Bhaer he kissed little Mary, Demi notices the Professor's smile at Jo and makes the connection.
How does Mr. Bhaer respond to Demi's question about great boys and great girls?
Like "young Washington" who "couldn't tell a lie," he gives a vague reply that he believes they do sometimes — in a tone that makes Mr. March finally realize Bhaer's true reason for visiting.
How does Jo react after Demi's revealing question?
She finds Demi in the china closet, squeezes him in a fierce hug instead of scolding him, and gives him an unexpected slice of bread and jelly — revealing her own unspoken feelings for Mr. Bhaer.
What trick does Demi play on Meg regarding raisins?
When Meg promises to play "anything" the children want, Demi cleverly says "Then we'll go and eat up all the raisins" — outwitting his mother who had earlier forbidden them.
What is Mr. March's educational philosophy as shown in this chapter?
"If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers." He believes in helping children "unfold" the thoughts already in their heads rather than shielding them from complex ideas.
What is the real reason Mr. Bhaer visits the March household?
Though he always asks for Mr. March and engages in long intellectual discussions, his real motivation is to see Jo. Mr. March is the last to realize this, only catching on after Demi's innocent question.
What does the narrator call herself at the opening of the chapter?
A "humble historian of the March family" who cannot feel she has done her duty without devoting at least one chapter to the twins.